Method for converting the configuration of a transmission pump assembly

Abstract

The present invention provides an inexpensive and easily produced method for refurbishing transmission pump assemblies. The method of converting a transmission pump assembly from a first configuration to a second configuration comprises the steps of: a) providing a first configuration transmission pump assembly comprising a pump body and a pump cover, wherein the pump body and the pump cover each have a plurality of fluid passageways formed between worm tracks on at least one side thereof; b) removing a portion of the worm tracks from both the pump body and the pump cover; c) providing at least one insert; d) attaching the at least one insert into a predetermined position; and e) machining the pump cover and pump body to the second configuration.

What is claimed is:  
     
       1. A method of changing the configuration of a transmission pump assembly from a first configuration to a second configuration, the method comprising the following steps: 
       a) providing a first configuration transmission pump assembly comprising a pump body and a pump cover, wherein the pump body and the pump cover each have a plurality of fluid passageways formed between worm tracks on at least one side thereof;  
       b) removing a portion of the worm tracks from both the pump body and the pump cover;  
       c) providing at least one insert;  
       d) attaching the at least one insert into a predetermined position in at least one of the pump cover or the pump body; and  
       e) machining the pump cover and pump body to the second configuration.  
     
     
       2. The method of  claim 1  wherein the insert is attached using an adhesive. 
     
     
       3. The method of  claim 1  further comprising the step of attaching a riser ring to the pump body. 
     
     
       4. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the first configuration transmission pump assembly is a 1984-1994 model year transmission pump assembly for a 700-R4 transmission. 
     
     
       5. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the second configuration is a 1995 model year transmission pump assembly for a 700-R4 transmission. 
     
     
       6. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the second configuration is a 1996 and newer model year transmission pump assembly for a 700-R4 transmission. 
     
     
       7. The method of  claim 1 , wherein at least one insert is attached to the pump body and at least one insert is attached to the pump cover. 
     
     
       8. The method of  claim 7 , wherein the at least one insert attached to the pump body is formed in the shape of the number “2”. 
     
     
       9. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one insert is made of aluminum. 
     
     
       10. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one insert is cast in a mold. 
     
     
       11. A method of changing the configuration of a transmission pump body from a first configuration to a second configuration, the method comprising the following steps: 
       a) providing a first configuration transmission pump body having a plurality of fluid passageways formed between worm tracks on at least one side thereof;  
       b) removing a portion of the worm tracks;  
       c) providing at least one insert;  
       d) attaching the at least one insert into a predetermined position on the pump body; and  
       e) machining the fluid passageways of the pump body to the second configuration.  
     
     
       12. The method of  claim 11 , wherein the at least one insert is attached using an adhesive. 
     
     
       13. The method of  claim 11  further comprising the step of attaching a riser ring to the pump body. 
     
     
       14. The method of  claim 11 , wherein the first configuration transmission pump body is a 1984-1994 model year transmission pump body for a 700-R4 transmission. 
     
     
       15. The method of  claim 11 , wherein the second configuration is a 1995 model year or newer transmission pump body for a 700-R4 transmission. 
     
     
       16. The method of  claim 11 , wherein the at least one insert attached to the pump body is formed in the shape of an “2”. 
     
     
       17. A method of changing the configuration of a transmission pump cover from a first configuration to a second configuration, the method comprising the following steps: 
       a) providing a first configuration transmission pump cover having a plurality of fluid passageways formed between worm tracks on at least one side thereof;  
       b) removing a portion of the worm tracks;  
       c) providing at least one insert;  
       d) attaching the at least one insert into a predetermined position on the pump cover; and  
       e) machining the fluid passageways of the pump cover to the second configuration.  
     
     
       18. The method of  claim 17 , wherein the first configuration transmission pump body is a 1984-1994 model year transmission pump cover for a 700-R4 transmission. 
     
     
       19. The method of  claim 17 , wherein the second configuration is a 1995 model year or newer transmission pump body for a 700-R4 transmission. 
     
     
       20. The method of  claim 17 , wherein the at least one insert attached to the pump body is formed in the shape of an “L”.